Effectiveness of plaque removal with an experimental chewable brush in children between age 9 and 13 years.

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of plaque removal of an experimental chewable brush in comparison with a manual brush in children between age 9 and 13 years. METHOD: This single blinded randomised controlled study included a total of 60 healthy children between age 9 and 13 years that fulfilled the selection criteria. Selected children were randomly assigned to manual toothbrush group (MT) and chewable toothbrush group (CT). Children were instructed to use the respective toothbrushes under supervision. Effectiveness of plaque removal was evaluated by recording Turesky's modification of Quigley-Hein index scores (TMQHI) before and after brushing on single use. Difference in the pre-brushing and post-brushing plaque scores between the groups were statistically compared by using Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: TMQHI plaque scores of selected children for the MT and CT groups was found to be statistically similar before using the toothbrush (p = 0.072). Difference between overall plaque reduction scores were found to be 1.0 for MT and 1.13 for CT, which did not reveal statistical significance (p = 0.308). In order to evaluate efficiency of chewable toothbrush, TMQHI scores for buccal and lingual scores were analysed separately, and found no statistical significance in plaque removal on either surfaces (p = 0.944 for buccal, p = 0.080 for lingual). CONCLUSIONS: Chewable toothbrush was found to be as effective in total plaque removal as manual tooth brushing in the children between age 9 and 13 years. The chewable brush may be an appropriate oral hygiene adjunct for school children spending a considerable amount of time out of home.

A cross-sectional study of prevalence of overweight and obesity among bus drivers and conductors of North-West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) in Belgaum Division, Belgaum.

Obesity has become a major chronic disorder affecting a large population more than any other disease in the world. To study the prevalence of overweight and obesity among bus drivers and conductors of North-West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) in Belgaum, and to compare the prevalence of overweight and obesity among them the study had been undertaken in Belgaum. Randomly selected 365 drivers and 370 conductors were personally interviewed using predesigned, pretested structured questionnaire. Physical examination was done to measure height, weight, waist circumference and hip circumference. Body mass index was measured to assess overweight and obesity. Waist circumference and waist hip ratio were used to assess central obesity. Summary figures like rates were calculated. Chi- square test was used to test the difference of prevalence between drivers and conductors. The study showed that in drivers 43.3% were overweight, 22.2% were obese and 23.8% were having a waist circumference > or = 102 cm. Among conductors 28.1% were overweight, 16.2% were obese and 18.1% were having a waist circumference of > or = 102cm.The prevalence of over-weight and obesity was high among drivers compared to conductors. Drivers were also more centrally obese than conductors.These differences were found to be statistically significant. Considering the high prevalence of overweight and obesity among drivers and conductors, necessary preventive measures need to be promoted.

Sociodemographic and health profile of inmates of old age homes in and around Belgaum city, Karnataka.

A new trend of admitting more and more senior citizens hailing from the Indian middle class background to old age homes is being observed in recent times. The objectives of this study were to study sociodemographic dimensions and common health problems of inmates of old age homes and to know various reasons for their admissions and their leisure time activities in old age homes. The present cross-sectional study was conducted during March and April 2010 in 4 different old age homes in and around Belgaum city, North Karnataka, by interviewing the inmates of old age homes using predesigned, pretested, structured questionnaire followed by thorough clinical examination and haemoglobin estimation by Sahli's method. The collected data was compiled and analysed using SPSS software version 14. Out of 73 elderly, 54 were females (74.0%). Majority were in the age group of 61-70 years (50.7%) and 56 were belonging to nuclear family (76.7%). Thirty-nine inmates were widow/widower (53.4%) and 42 were having no children (57.5%). Forty-seven inmates were admitted as there was nobody to take care of them (64.4%). Common health problems observed were locomotive/joint and muscle disorders (35.6%), hypertension (34.2%), diabetes mellitus (26.0%), respiratory disorders (23.3%), hearing loss (21.9%) etc. Forty-nine were having normal body mass index (67.1%) while 19.2% were underweight. Majority were having haemoglobin levels between 10-12 g/dl (58.9%). Old age homes definitely will enable the elderly to remain sociopsychologically healthy and lead active lives if effective medical and emotional support is given.

Swine flu (H1N1 influenza): awareness profile of visitors of swine flu screening booths in Belgaum city, Karnataka.

The 2009 flu pandemic was a global outbreak of a new strain of H1N1 influenza virus often referred colloquially as "swine flu". The objectives of the study were: (1) To know the sociodemographic and awareness profile of visitors attending swine flu screening booths. (2) To reveal sources of information. The present cross-sectional study was undertaken among the visitors (18 years and above) attending swine flu screening booths organised within the Belgaum city during Ganesh festival from 28-08-2009 to 03-09-2009 by interviewing them using predesigned, pretested structured questionnaire on swine flu. The data was collected and analysed using SPSS software programme for windows (version 16). Chi-square test was applied. Out of 206 visitors, 132 (64.1%) were males and 107 (51.9%) were in the age group of 30-49 years; 183 (88.8%) had heard about swine flu. More than a third of the visitors (38.3%) disclosed that there was a vaccine to prevent swine flu. Majority responded that it could be transmitted by being in close proximity to pigs (49.0%) and by eating pork (51.5%). Newspaper/magazine (64.6%), television (61.7%), and public posters/pamphlets (44.2%) were common sources of information. The present study revealed that doctors/public health workers have played little role in creating awareness in the community. The improved communication between doctors and the community would help to spread correct information about the disease and the role that the community can play in controlling the spread of the disease.

The perspective of patients with haemophilia with inhibitors and their care givers: preferences for treatment characteristics.

Treatment preferences of haemophilia patients with inhibitors have not been well documented. This study sought to identify treatment attributes that patients/caregivers consider most important in the USA, inasmuch as those preferences may affect patient adherence to treatment plans. A discrete choice experiment was conducted to elicit treatment preferences. Haemophilia patients with inhibitors, or their caregivers on their behalf, completed a written survey that elicited preferences for treatment features and levels synthesized from the medical literature including: risk of viral transmission, rise in inhibitor titre, reduction in thromboembolic events, number of infusions, preparation time, infusion time/volume, time required to stop bleeding/alleviate pain, use of prophylaxis, use of major surgery and medication cost. Relative importance (RI) of preferences was modelled using a multinomial logit function. Most respondents were male (49 of 51, 96.1%); mean age, 20.7 years (SD = 18.8) and 88.5% of patients had haemophilia type A. The three most important patient-identified treatment attributes were as follows: time required to stop bleeding (RI = 19.3), possibility that the level of inhibitor may rise (RI = 14.3) and risk of contracting a virus from the product (RI = 13.5). Haemophilia patients with inhibitors and their caregivers appear to be willing to accept treatments that may be more inconvenient and painful as long as the treatments are effective in quickly controlling bleeds, do not increase inhibitor levels and do not pose a risk for viral contraction. Study findings provide meaningful input to the clinical community from patients and caregivers and support the importance of physicians understanding their patients' treatment preferences.

Health-related quality of life and productivity impact in haemophilia patients with inhibitors.

To measure health-related quality of life (HRQL), its determinants, and its association with patient and caregiver productivity among a sample of haemophilia patients with inhibitors in the United States (US). Data on demographical and clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, HRQL (SF-12v2), and productivity outcomes were reported for 53 patients. Mean SF-12v2 domain and mental (MCS) and physical (PCS) component summary scores were assessed and compared with US norms. Regression analyses explored the association of patient and treatment factors with HRQL and productivity. Patients' mean age was 20.7 years (SD = 18.8), 88.5% were type A, and 39.6% received on-demand therapy as their only mode of treatment. Mean PCS was significantly lower than the US norm (PCS, 39.9, P < 0.01) and mean MCS showed no significant difference (MCS, 49.9, P = ns). On-demand treatment (B = -0.336, P < 0.05) and number of haemorrhages (B = -0.366, P < 0.05) were negatively associated with PCS; and PCS was associated with patients' missed work or school days [incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 0.93, P < 0.001] and perceived impact on daily activities (OR = 0.72, P < 0.05). Younger age (IRR = 0.91, P < 0.01), lower PCS (IRR = 0.94, P < 0.01), more haemorrhages (IRR = 1.05, P < 0.05), and surgery (IRR = 2.74, P < 0.05) were associated with fewer patients' productive days. Physical functioning among inhibitor patients in the US is compromised and is negatively associated with their daily activities and productivity. These data suggest a positive association of prophylactic and immunotolerance therapy with HRQL, specifically physical impairment.

Efficacy of recombinant activated factor VII vs. activated prothrombin complex concentrate for patients suffering from haemophilia complicated with inhibitors: a Bayesian meta-regression.

The optimal on-demand treatment of joint bleeds in haemophilia patients with inhibitors is a source of debate, with studies reporting various efficacy levels for different drugs and dosage regimens. To analyse, in a unified Bayesian meta-regression model, the published efficacy of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) and/or activated prothrombin complex concentrate (aPCC) as on-demand treatments for joint bleeds in haemophilia patients with inhibitors. A systematic search was carried out to identify studies reporting on dosage and efficacy of rFVIIa and aPCC in the treatment of joint bleeds in the target patient population. Data were abstracted and included in the model and adjusted for potential sources of heterogeneity. Pooled efficacy levels for typical rFVIIa and aPCC regimens were estimated. Seventeen studies, collectively reporting on >2000 joint bleeds, were included. Medication type combined with dosage was the only significant explanatory parameter. The model predicts that a typical regimen of 90 microg kg(-1) rFVII repeated every 3 h if needed results in cumulative joint bleed resolution of 66%, 88% and 95% after 12, 24 and 36 h, respectively. In comparison, a typical regimen of 75 IU kg(-1) aPCC repeated every 12 h if needed results in cumulative joint bleed resolution of 39%, 62% and 76%, respectively. These differences were statistically significant and were also robust in sensitivity analyses. This analysis suggests that a typical rFVIIa regimen will resolve joint bleeds more effectively than a typical aPCC regimen after 12, 24 and 36 h.

Physicians' preferences towards coagulation factor concentrates in the treatment of Haemophilia with inhibitors: a discrete choice experiment.

This study sought to identify attributes of treatment important to haematologists in making their decisions regarding optimal care for inhibitor patients in the United States. A conjoint analysis using a discrete choice experiment was conducted to elicit factors that are most important to haematologists. Twelve product attributes were chosen based on published literature and expert opinion: risk of human viral infections, possibility that the titre of the inhibitor may rise, reduction in the likelihood of dose-related thromboembolic events, the number of infusions required to stop haemorrhage, infusion preparation time, infusion time, infusion volume, time required to stop bleeding, time required to alleviate pain, prophylaxis use, ability to undergo major surgery and cost of medications. Thirty haematologists completed the questionnaires via face-to-face interviews at a scientific meeting in April 2006. Data were analysed using a multinomial logit model to obtain the relative importance of each attribute. Responding haematologists had considerable experience in treating haemophilia patients with inhibitors (average : 13 +/- 9 years). 'Time required to stop bleeding' was the most important factor affecting treatment decisions [relative importance (RI) = 16.3%]. Physicians also preferred treatments that resulted in quick pain relief [RI = 12.9%], reduced the possibility that the titre of inhibitor may rise [RI = 12.8%], required fewer number of infusions to stop a haemorrhage [RI = 12.7%] and reduced the risk of human viral infection [RI = 10.8%]. This study revealed that certain clinical outcomes attributes are the most preferred and important. These findings can assist decision makers in their assessments of optimal first-line care.

Predictors of hospital length of stay and cost in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.

We used the 2002 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample to assess hospital length of stay (LOS) and cost among adults with a principal diagnosis of intracerebral hemorrhage (n = 13,239). Sixty-nine percent of patients were aged > or =65 years, and 31% died during hospitalization. Mean LOS (cost) was 7.7 days (15,256 dollars) (survivors: 9.6 days, 17,442 dollars). Patient, hospital, and payer characteristics accounted for 69.1% of variation in cost per discharge.

Obesity and health-related quality of life: a cross-sectional analysis of the US population.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and health-related quality-of-life (HRQL), in the presence of dietary controls and/or exercise in a national sample in the United States. METHODS: BMI and its association with HRQL domains (physical, mental and activity limitations) were examined using the Centers' for Disease Control and Prevention's 2000 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillence System (BRFSS) data, after adjusting for various sociodemographic factors, self-reported health-status, and diet/exercise behavior. RESULTS: Based on World Health Organization's (WHO) classification of obesity, the study sample (N=182 372) included approximately 43.7% nonoverweight, 36% overweight, 14% obese, and 7% severely obese respondents. Exercise and dietary modifications were used by 17.5% of overweight, 15.2% of obese, and 12.5% of severely obese individuals. Logistic regression results using nonoverweight BMI as the reference category showed that severely obese (OR=1.87, 95% CI 1.64-2.12) and obese (OR=1.21, 95% CI 1.09-1.33) were more likely to experience greater than 14 unhealthy days affecting the physical health domain. Severely obese (OR=1.41, 95% CI 1.26-1.59) and obese (OR=1.17, 95% CI 1.07-1.28) were also more likely to experience greater than 14 unhealthy days affecting the mental health domain. Similarly, severely obese (OR=1.73, 95% CI 1.50-1.99) and obese (OR=1.22, 95% CI 1.08-1.37) were more likely to experience greater than 14 days with activity limitations. Exercise and dietary controls were associated with better HRQL across all three domains. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the relationship between BMI and HRQL in the United States. The study also underlines the positive correlation of exercise and dietary modifications with HRQL.

Radiation retinopathy in diabetes mellitus: report of a case.

A case of radiation retinopathy in a diabetic individual who received a total dose of 45 Gy for lymphoblastic lymphoma of the orbit is reported. The relationship between radiation retinopathy and diabetes mellitus is discussed.